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Workplace Report June 2018

Mental health first aid

Early findings from academic research looking at the impact of mental health first aid (MHFA) in the workplace has found evidence that some employers are implementing it in isolation.

A significant number of interviewees in a Nottingham University study also believed that training is being used to give the false impression that organisations are dealing with mental health issues.

IOSH, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, commissioned the research and its head of technical information, Judith McNulty, presented the preliminary findings at a round table held by the Health and Safety at Work journal on mental health and wellbeing. The findings have yet to be peer reviewed.

TUC head of health and safety Hugh Robertson said MHFAiders can be “a useful resource in the workplace”, but MHFA is “not a substitute for preventing anxiety and depression caused by work-related stress”.

Instead, he referred employers to the mental health for employers toolkit developed by Public Health England and Business in the Community.

The information on this website is provided for information only. LRD takes every reasonable effort to make sure that the information is accurate and up to date, but it does not amount to legal advice to any person on a specific case or matter. Readers requiring legal advice are encouraged to contact their trade union or other legal advisor.